Fire departments across the state are short on volunteers, and one local neighborhood would like to see more folks join.

In Bridgeport, there’s currently only 14 volunteer fire fighters, and that’s down from an average of 30.

Officials believe this shortage may be because there’s more testing now than in previous years.

Lt. Scott Wilburn says fighting fires may not be for everyone.

“People should be warned that this is not for everyone. We’ve had people that have joined and were gung-ho about it, but once they got into it, they didn’t make it. It’s a specialized skill set. It really is.”

If you’re over the age of 16 and think you have what it takes to become a volunteer, stop by the Bridgeport Fire Department anytime or call 304-842-8252.